Scientific name: Lycophotia porphyrea
June - August. Britain and Ireland. A small to medium-sized red-brown moth with fine black and white markings on the forewing. Usually occurs on heathland and moorland. Often found near heathers.
A small reddish-brown moth, with fine black and white markings. Forewing colour varies from pinkish brown and purplish brown, to greyish brown or blackish grey. Similar to the Heath Rustic, but that species has a pale streak along the leading edge of the forewing along with a small, pale oval mark within a black wedge. May sometimes be confused with Beautiful Yellow Underwing. The moth is often seen visiting flowers in bright sunshine.
Size and Family
- Family – Darts, Yellow Underwings and Clays (Noctuines)
- Medium Sized
- UK BAP: Not listed
Particular Caterpillar Food Plants
Heather and Bell Heather, possibly also Cross-leaved Heather.
- Countries – England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland
- The moth has been recorded throughout Britain, as far north as Shetland, and also on Man, Ireland and the Channel Islands.
Associated with heathland, high moorland and possibly gardens, but occasionally found away from breeding sites.